Marriage is one of the most important events in life, and it is no exception for those who have decided to tie the knot in Spain. This article will provide you with all the necessary information on the procedure for getting married in Spain, as well as the legal, cultural, and economic aspects of marriage in Spain.
Legal Aspects
In Spain, as in many other countries, a proper legal procedure is required to get married. First, you must obtain a certificate of singleness, which is called a Certificado de Soltería, which you can obtain from your consulate in Spain. You will also need a passport and residency in Spain.
- Marriage between Spaniards
In Spain, as in many other countries, marriage between Spaniards is celebrated in accordance with Spanish family legislation, namely the Civil Code. In Spain, marriage between two Spaniards must be registered in the local municipality, and according to the law, marriage between two Spaniards cannot be contracted if one of them is already married or has an official partner.
- Marriage between a Spaniard and a foreigner
If you are a foreign citizen and wish to marry a Spaniard, you will need to provide additional documents, such as a birth certificate, a certificate of criminal record, and proof that you are not married in your home country. The translation of these documents into Spanish and their legalization by the corresponding authorities may also be required.
- Same-sex marriages
Since 2005, legislation in Spain has allowed for same-sex marriages. The procedure for getting married for same-sex couples is the same as for opposite-sex couples, and has the same requirements for documents.
- Marriage between foreigners
If two foreign citizens wish to get married in Spain, they must also provide all the necessary documents, including birth certificates, certificates of criminal record, and proof that they are not married in their home country. The translation of these documents into Spanish and their legalization by the corresponding authorities may also be required.
Cultural Aspects
The culture and traditions of Spain have their own peculiarities that should be taken into account when getting married. In Spain, it is common to get married in the church, but civil marriages are also an option. In some regions of Spain, it is customary to have a wedding procession that may include a walk through the city and music. It is important to make sure you understand all the customs and traditions related to marriage in Spain.
Economic Aspects
Getting married in Spain also has economic consequences. In Spain, there is the regime of joint ownership, which means that all property acquired during the marriage is joint property. This also means that in case of divorce, the property will be divided equally between the spouses.
Procedure for preparing and registering a marriage
The procedure for preparing and registering a marriage in Spain usually includes the following steps:
Obtaining a Certificado de Soltería (certificate of being single) at your consulate in Spain. Submitting a marriage application at the local town hall. The application must be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the wedding ceremony. Determining the location and date of the wedding ceremony. Signing the marriage contract. Registering the marriage at the local town hall.
Pros and cons of marriage
Marriage is one of the most important decisions in life, which can have both a positive and negative impact on your life. Here are some pros and cons of marriage in Spain:
Pros:
Legal status: marriage provides a legal status in the relationship between spouses. Inheritance rights: when getting married, spouses have inheritance rights from each other. Financial protection: marriage can provide financial protection to spouses, including joint property, the right to maintenance, and other financial rights. Support: marriage can mean mutual support and collaboration in solving life problems.
Cons:
Risk of divorce: nobody can predict what will happen in the future, and marriage can end in divorce, which can be emotionally and financially burdensome. Financial obligations: marriage can lead to financial obligations, including joint property and maintenance. Dissatisfaction: some spouses may be unhappy in marriage, which can lead to mental health problems.
Funny real-life examples
Legal practice can include some funny situations. For example, one couple asked a lawyer to draw up a contract stating what they would do if one of them died but forgot that they were married.
In another case, a married couple sought help in resolving a dispute over who owned two million euros found in their home.
Traditions and Customs
Spain has many traditions and customs related to marriage. Some of them include:
Ceremony: Marriage between Spaniards is usually held in a church, but a civil marriage can also be performed. Procession: In some regions of Spain, it is customary to hold a wedding procession, which can include a walk around the city and music. Rings: Rings are usually exchanged during the wedding ceremony. Restaurant: After the wedding ceremony, spouses and their guests can visit a restaurant where the banquet will be held. Gifts: Wedding gifts usually include money or something that will help the spouses start a new life together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marriage in Spain has its own characteristics that require compliance with legal and cultural norms. Despite this, it also provides many rights and benefits, including financial protection, support, and legal status. If you have questions or problems related to marriage in Spain, our team of specialists at Despacho Internacional “Intereses legítimos” is always ready to provide you with help and advice. Our goal is to help you celebrate your marriage in Spain with minimal problems and succeed in your new life together.
